Associated Press: Raw aerial video of I-40 rockslide

3 Comments

1. 

   Tebbe Davies October 28, 2009

   This is going to take months to clean up some of the boulders were larger than a bus.

   Reply
2. 

   Tim October 27, 2009

   The Asheville area and the mountains of Western North Carolina remain accessible from the east, south and north. Travelers heading to Asheville from the west may use the following detour options:

   Express Route via Scenic Interstate Byway
   The NC Department of Transportation advises I-40 travelers from the west to take I-81 north to Johnson City, then I-26 east to Asheville. The I-26 route adds roughly 50 minutes to the travel time, and is one of the nation’s only interstate Scenic Byways. I-26 takes motorists through the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains offering scenic observation points, a welcome center and stunning views of the highest peaks in the East.

   Detour Option via Dixie Highway
   Travelers coming from the west on I-40 may also take exit 432-B for US-25/US-70 toward Newport. After Newport, TN, 25/70 becomes the Dixie Highway. Follow signs to stay on 25/70. Shortly after entering North Carolina, you will pass through the town of Hot Springs. Continue until you reach I-26. Take I-26 east to get to Asheville. This route adds roughly 30 minutes to the travel time and is a beautiful scenic mountain highway. Passenger vehicles only are permitted on this road–it is not a commercial travel route (i.e. motorcoach, RVs or dual-axel vehicles). Please consider possible weather and traffic congestion issues on this winding two-lane road.

   Asheville Visitor Information: ExploreAsheville.com | 888.247.9811
   North Carolina Department of Transportation: NCDOT.org | 511 Travel Info Line | 877.DOT.4YOU

   Reply
3. 

   Christopher C NC October 27, 2009

   I am just now finding out about the rockslide late Monday night. I read the other posts and comments, in particular the increased traffic in small town rural Haywood County. The traffic on Highway 209 in Haywood has been unbelievable for the last two days. I thought mercy there are a lot of leaf peepers out and about. Now I know the real reason. This traffic included an unusual number of large semi trucks which can not adequately make the curves on this road and stay in one lane. I sure hope the other commenter who said Madison County would get the brunt of this traffic re-alignment is right.

   Reply